‘AMENDMENT 3 IS AN EMERGENCY’
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (September 23, 2026) – Walton County public safety leaders today stood shoulder-to-shoulder in sharing their concern that Amendment 3 is an emergency.
“Property taxes fund public safety. Slashing property taxes means politicians will slash deputies, firefighters and 911 emergency services,” said Edie Ousley, spokesperson for Vote No on 3. “Amendment 3 will strip away millions in public safety funding, but the cost of squad cars, safety equipment, training and hiring deputies for a growing population doesn’t go away.”
The concerns expressed by Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson, Florida Fire Chief’s Association President, Fire Chief Ryan Crawford of South Walton Fire District, Bonifay Fire-Rescue Chief Travis Cook, and Alaqua Animal Refuge Chairman of the Board Scott Russell echo those of sheriffs, police chiefs, fire chiefs and professional fire fighters from across Florida shared earlier this month.
WHAT PUBLIC SAFETY LEADERS ARE SAYING:
Florida Sheriffs Association Member Sheriff Michael Adkinson, Walton County:
“Police and fire protection make up the largest expense in 80 percent of Florida local budgets. Florida keeps growing, and that means more calls, fires and accidents. But funding to support public safety will be cut under Amendment 3. No Floridian wants slower 911 response times or longer waits for fire, police and medical services. That’s why Florida’s sheriffs have serious concerns about Amendment 3. Our responsibility is to protect the people we serve, and Amendment 3 does not protect you.”
Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association President, Fire Chief Ryan Crawford, South Walton Fire District:
“Floridians deserve meaningful property-tax relief, but they also deserve a clear understanding of what changes to the tax system mean for the essential services they rely on every day. Fire departments and EMS agencies must continue to have the capacity to staff stations, operate ambulances, replace equipment, train personnel, and respond to emergencies regardless of how those services are funded. As we consider constitutional changes impacting local property-tax revenues, public safety funding needs to be part of that conversation from the beginning, with a sustainable plan to maintain the level of service our communities expect and depend upon.”
Bonifay (Holmes County) Fire-Rescue Chief Travis Cook:
“As Fire Chief for the City of Bonifay, I understand and respect the desire for property-tax relief, but I also have a responsibility to ensure that Bonifay Fire-Rescue has the resources necessary to protect our community. The addition of ad valorem revenue has allowed us to establish our first paid firefighter position and reduce average response times from 3–4 minutes to less than one minute—an important improvement in the level of service we provide. My concern with Amendment 3 is that reducing this dependable revenue source could jeopardize our ability to sustain staffing, equipment, response times, and future fire protection needs. I believe taxpayers deserve accountability and responsible use of their money, but I also believe public safety must have a sustainable funding source.”
Alaqua Animal Refuge, Chairman of the Board, Scott Russell, Santa Rosa Beach:
“We’ve seen what happens at the end of this equation. And because of that experience, we see firsthand what happens when the local safety net fails, particularly in rural communities where resources are already limited. Florida’s rural counties already face significant gaps in animal services, law enforcement resources, veterinary access, shelter capacity, and nonprofit support. And these problems do not stay within county lines. When one rural county cannot respond to a major cruelty or animal-related public safety situation, neighboring counties, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, rescues and private donors are often asked to step in. That does not eliminate the cost. It simply moves it somewhere else. Before Florida makes a permanent change to the way these communities are funded, the potential consequences for local services, nonprofit organizations and public safety deserve careful consideration.”
For information on how to get involved, visit www.VoteNoOnAmendment3.com.
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